The American Culinary Federation Holds Its 2009 National Convention In Orlando

The American Culinary Federation (ACF), Inc., is coming to Orlando, Fla., for its 2009 ACF National Convention, held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, July 11-14. The convention brings foodservice professionals and chefs from across the country together to compete for national awards, network, attend educational seminars, learn current culinary trends and techniques, and view the latest culinary products at the trade show.

Several renowned guest chefs will host demonstrations and presentations. New York Times best-selling author Devin Alexander of NBC's "Biggest Loser" will present a nutritious-conscious demo based on her "Healthy Decadence" TV series. Lorena Garcia, chef/owner of Elements in Miami, one of the nation's leading Latina chefs, will host "Contemporary Latin Favorites" sponsored by Splenda�. "Top Chef" season 4 winner Stephanie Izard will host a demo, "Deconstructing the Classics." Patrick O'Connell, chef/proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Va., a self-taught chef and TV host, called "the Pope of American Cuisine," will deliver the keynote address at General Session. Also attending will be Michel A. Escoffier, great-grandson of Auguste Escoffier. Here is a day-by-day look at the events:

Saturday, July 11:
-Rise and Shine with American Lamb, sponsored by the American Lamb Board: 8-9:30 a.m.
-The Scoop on Avocados, sponsored by Hass Avocado Board: 8-9:30 a.m.
-Focusing on Your Financial Future in Difficult Economic Times, sponsored by The Investing Chef: 8-9:30 a.m.
-Master the CMC: 8-9:30 a.m. Learn what it takes to become a certified master chef (CMC) or certified master pastry chef (CMPC). There are only 61 CMCs and 13 CMPCs in the U.S.
-Chef Professionalism Lunch, sponsored by: GFF, Inc./Girard's Dressings, La Brea Bakery and Nestl� Professional: 12-1:30 p.m. See who will receive this year's national Chef Professionalism Award.
-General Session, sponsored by the American Lamb Board: 2-6 p.m. Famous for his refined regional American Cuisine, O'Connell will deliver the keynote address.
-Icebreaker Blues Bash, sponsored by Barber Foods, Pasta CHEF� and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board: 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a concert from Jake & Elwood Blues! and a nine-piece band.

Sunday, July 12:
-Fresh Ways with Heirloom Grains, sponsored by Indian Harvest: 8-9:30 a.m.
-ACF Pastry Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Splenda�: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Four pastry chefs go head-to-head for the national award in a timed, live competition on the trade-show floor.
-Global Flavors and Your Menu, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions: 10-11:30 a.m.
-Flavor Trends 2009, sponsored by Gordon Food Service: 10-11:30 a.m.
-Trade Show: Food and Fun in the Florida Sun: 1-5 p.m.
-ACF Student Chef of the Year competition, sponsored by Custom Culinary Inc.: 1-4 p.m. Four talented young chefs compete in a mystery-basket competition live at the trade show.
-One-Pot Win a Lot competition, sponsored by Riviana Foods, Inc.: 1-2 p.m. Four contestants create a one-pot dish in 15 minutes in hopes of receiving the $1,000 prize.
-Live entertainment and Culinary Career Expo, presented by Chartwells: 3-5 p.m. Takes place at trade show.
-Sunset Carnivale, sponsored by S&D Coffee and U.S. Foodservice: 7 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly event poolside featuring food with a Latin flair.

Monday, July 13:
-ACF Student Team National Championship, sponsored by R.L. Schreiber: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Culinary students from Hawaii, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania compete for national bragging rights.
-Around the World in 90 Minutes, sponsored by The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes: 10-11:30 a.m.
-Trade Show: 12-4 p.m. Stick around for the second day with